Sector Counsel/Director of Contracts - Standard Aero

Sector Counsel/Director of Contracts

Location:  Cincinnati, OH; Miami, FL; Kansas City, MO; Phoenix, AZ; Bloomfield, CO; or San Antonio, TX.  A remote working arrangement within US with travel as needed may be available for this role.

Build an Aviation Career You’re Proud Of

At StandardAero, we use our ingenuity and know-how to find solutions for the simple to the most complex challenges in aviation. Together, we get the job done and done well. Our stability, resources, and respectful culture supports you in building a solid career with a great team you can count on day in and day out for the long term.

As Sector Counsel/Director of Contracts you will provide counsel, advice, and support to the Component & Accessories Sector of StandardAero and report directly to the sector Assistant General Counsel. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership and expert-level knowledge of contracts administration in both commercial and government contracting reporting to the sector Assistant General Counsel. 

The Sector Counsel/Director of Contracts is the primary corporate representative for contracting matters across the Sector and will act as the focal point for providing guidance on all contracting areas – commercial, US government, and international government agencies. The position requires expertise in a variety of functional contracts subspecialties, and significant contracting policy experience. It also requires frequent independent contact with senior contracting and acquisition personnel.

What you’ll do:

• Direct and oversee contracts and subcontracts throughout the lifecycle from proposal efforts to contract award, compliance, administration of deliverables and closeout.
• Draft, review, analyze, and negotiate OEM agreements, Commercial Master Service Agreements, Agent Agreements, Non-disclosure agreements, Rebate Agreements, and various others as needed.
• Coordinate with legal, business, finance, insurance, marketing and communications, operations, quality, corporate security, IT, procurement and supply chain, human resources, and compliance units on various matters including but not limited to: contract negotiations, strategies, actions, and priorities to support new and existing business relationships.
• Assist with proposal preparation, lead contract negotiation and contract and subcontract administration, including contract kick-offs and closeouts.
• Ensures compliance with US government policies and procedures including Small Business, Government Property Management, Purchasing Requirements, and Cybersecurity Reporting.
• Key stakeholder in USG government audits associated with Certified Cost, Incurred Cost Audits, Government Property management and Small Business.
• Foster and maintain excellent working relationships with federal contacting officers and prime contractors.
• Manage in-house litigation matters, including legal research, memorandum drafting, secured transactions, abandoned assets, and demand and response letter drafting. Work with outside counsel as needed.
• Assist with sector merger and acquisition activities, from pre-buy counseling and due diligence to post-close integration.
• Review and analyze FAA, EASA, and international equivalent regulations to support business requirements.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives to help develop and enhance departmental and sector processes, policies, and procedures related to contract management and administration functions.
• Understand and apply risk management strategies and analysis to all aspects of the business.
• Develop and conduct continued education and training sessions to sector staff and management as needed to ensure currency of knowledge and understanding of legal and contracting principles.
• Assist as compliance point of contact and gatekeeper for sector anti-corruption and trade compliance activities, working with corporate anti-corruption and trade compliance teams to ensure maximum risk mitigation.

What skills you will require:   

Position Requirements:              

• Must be authorized to work in U.S.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, accounting; or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years in private practice or in-house experience
• Effective change agent; can lead change, think out of the box, and make new ideas happen.
• Persistent drive for results using program management, risk management and problem-solving skills in a cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively, anticipate problems and opportunities, and develop and implement vision.
• Travel may be required up to 20% of the time.

Preferred characteristics:

• JD or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognized institution preferred. 
• Aviation law experience is considered an asset.
• General knowledge of anti-bribery law (including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act, and Canadian Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act) as well as general trade compliance matters, ITAR and EAR regulations, global sanctions, SDN lists, and Executive Orders preferred
• Active member of a state bar in U.S. preferrable.

Benefits that make life better:

• Comprehensive Healthcare
• 5% 401K Matching
• Paid Time Off 
• Bonus Opportunities
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Learning & Training opportunities

Raising the Standard of Excellence since 1911

With over a century of proven excellence, StandardAero has become an industry leader in MRO services and customized solutions in the aerospace field. Our shared values and learning-based culture inspire our team to exceed their potential and power our customers’ missions worldwide. With on-the-job training, advancement opportunities, and excellent benefits, StandardAero invites you to experience a fulfilling and meaningful career with us.

Inclusivity Is Our Standard

StandardAero offers equal employment opportunities for all. Our supportive environment celebrates diversity with no room for harassment or discrimination of any kind. We invite you to bring your authentic self to our team and experience our welcoming culture.